Harriet Owen extends with Matrix Fitness

Harriet Owen is the 3rd rider to extend her contract with Matrix Fitness for 2016 following Laura Trott and Elinor Barker.

Harriet Owen is the 3rd rider to extend her contract with Matrix Fitness for 2016 following Laura Trott and Elinor Barker. The sprinter from Oxfordshire endured a tough 2015 with illness but her professional approach off the bike, together with her determination to succeed at the top level made it an easy choice for the team offer Harriet a place for 2016.

Harriet – Photo: Bart Raeymaekers

Now living in Milton Keynes, Harriet battled serious stomach issues throughout the spring classics. Having thought she’d put the issues behind her, she returned to racing in Trofee Maarten Wynants in May, only to crash resulting in several broken bones in her hand.

“Harriet had so many knocks this season, but never really lost focus on the end game of becoming a solid Flanders classics rider. I have every confidence she can achieve that, and this years experience in those events will only help her. If you’re capable of winning a medal at the world championships like Harriet has, you certainly have a lot of talent. Now it’s just a case of Harriet getting her health on track, which it seems to be and I’m sure she’s become a force in the sport once again.” Commented team manager Stefan Wyman

With her hand healed and training back in track, Harriet was once again struck down with a recurrence of the stomach issues that had stopped her early season progression. After months of medical tests, Harriet called an early end to her season to focus on hitting the 2016 season in full health and good form.

“After a difficult year last year due to illness I’m really happy to have the continued support of the team for my fourthyear with Matrix Fitness. 2016 is set to be a year of learning which will allow the team to develop and progress individually and as a whole. This means more racing and more results so I’m really excited to get the season going again” commented Harriet